Alejandro Ferretis Elizondo

Actor

Mexican actor Alejandro Ferretis Elizondo, star of the critically acclaimed film “Japon,” was found dead in his San Miguel de Allende home earlier this month. He was 59.

The cause of death is not yet known, but Mexican authorities say it appears to have been murder and have called for an autopsy. Ferretis played the lead in last year’s “Japon,” helmed by Carlos Reygadas.

It was the first time in front of the camera for Ferretis, who had worked on the production side in the past and, as a result of a childhood case of polio, walked with a cane.

Ferretis won the actor award at the Buenos Aires Intl. Festival of Independent Cinema for his perf in “Japon.” He also was nominated for the actor prize at this year’s Ariel Awards, Mexico’s top laurelfest.

His absence from the Ariel ceremony, held March 30 in Mexico City, first raised suspicions as to his wellbeing.

Several days later his body was found, but authorities in San Miguel, three hours north of Mexico City, did not notify the public until this week. Ferretis, born in Mexico City, lived alone in San Miguel.